Ron Paul backs Ted Cruz for Senate — but Cruz not backing Paul for president

Ron Paul and America’s youth

Throughout the Republican presidential primaries, Ron Paul has done well with young Americans, drawing thousands to his Youth for Ron Paul rallies. However, some of his young fans are still a few years shy of heading to the polls.

While former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Paul has not ended his campaign and is focused on drawing as many delegates as possible to this summer’s national Republican convention.

Last year, Cruz endorsed Gov. Rick Perry for president. Since Perry has ended his bid, Cruz has echoed many other Texas Republican candidates in declining to back a second candidate.

“Because it is critical to defeat Barack Obama in November, Ted will enthusiastically support the Republican nominee,” Cruz campaign manager John Drogin said Monday.

Former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and former ESPN analyst Craig James are supporting Romney, though the statements from their campaign representatives don’t exactly come off as gushing endorsements.

“Throughout this campaign, Tom has said stated repeatedly that he would vigorously back the Republican nominee,” said Daniel Keylin, a spokesman for Leppert. “Tom will be working nonstop to ensure that Mitt Romney defeats Barack Obama in November.”

James had previously endorsed Rick Santorum, who suspended his presidential campaign last month.

“Craig has stated at several events in the last few weeks that he is supporting the Republican nominee, which will most likely be Mitt Romney,” spokeswoman Meredith Turney said. “Craig’s committed to ensuring Obama is not re-elected, and that means being a Republican team player supporting the nominee, Mitt Romney.”

Turney added that James is hopeful Romney will pick Santorum as a running mate.